A Democratic Town Committee Inaugural Party drew 100 guests on Friday evening January 7th to Trinity-On-Main Cultural Center to kick off the municipal election year. A snow storm that piled up larger than expected accumulations in the New Britain area didn’t slow down the festivities nor interest as Democrats gear up for legislative special elections next month and the city election in November.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal thanks New Britain Democrats at DTC Party

U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, frequent visitors to the city in their former roles as Attorney General and Comptroller, braved the snow to join the DTC event after being sworn in to their new positions last week. Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz was also on hand.

John Geragosian and Don DeFronzo were recognized for their years of public service in state and city government. From left Geragosian, DeFronzo, DTC Corres. Secretary Peter Spano and DTC Vice Chairman Robert Sanchez

Recognized for their public service along with campaign volunteers were Don DeFronzo, the state’s new Commissioner of Administrative Services (DAS) and John Geragosian, the newly appointed Auditor of Public Accounts. DeFronzo served the city for eight years as state Senator and for two terms as Mayor. Geragosian, a member of the City Council when DeFronzo was Mayor, was the city’s longest serving lawmaker representing the 25th Assembly District. He was re-elected last November without opposition. A special election will be held February 22nd to fill the legislative seats.

State Senate Candidate Terry Gerratana at New Britain Inaugural Party as Senator Blumenthal and guests listen.

25th District: Sanchez Gains Support of DTC Members

Robert Sanchez, New Britain Democrats’ Vice Chairman and a member of the Board of Education, is a favorite for nomination to be the Democrat in a February 22 special election 25th State Representative district.

John Geragosian, who won re-election last November without an opponent, vacated the seat last week to become the state Auditor of Public Accounts.

DTC Chair John McNamara issued a statement on the vacancy Saturday:

“The members of the Democratic Town Committee from Assembly District 25 strongly support the candidacy of Board of Education member Robert Sanchez to fill the state representative seat vacated this week by John Geragosian, the state’s newly appointed Auditor of Public Accounts.

I and DTC members from the 25th discussed the vacancy in the wake of Rep. Geragosian’s departure and are overwhelmingly supportive of Bob Sanchez pursuing the legislative seat if he so chooses.”

Sanchez, a New Britain native, is a longtime member of the DTC and has been a member of the city’s Human Rights Commission under two mayors. in a 30-year career in human services, Sanchez has been a resourceful and innovative professional serving the needs of children and families.

The statement continued: “On the Town Committee his efforts to register voters and encourage citizens to participate in government has set an example for others to follow. In my view Bob Sanchez will provide attentive and effective representation of residents in the district and, like his predecessor, will emerge as a statewide legislative leader if elected. “

An announcement on the time and place for the nominating meeting is expected Monday.

Terry Gerratana Announces Candidacy for State Senate

Theresa (Terry) Bielinski Gerratana announced her candidacy for the State Senate seat being vacated by Senator Donald DeFronzo’s appointment to Governor Malloy’s administration. Gerratana, a former New Britain and Berlin legislator, touted her experience delivering results for people.

“With jobs disappearing and stagnant wages, times have been tougher than ever for too many families in Berlin, Farmington and my hometown, New Britain,” said Gerratana. “I’m running for Senate because our communities need leaders who can listen to the needs of our families and get to work on real solutions.”

Gerratana, who served as a state legislator from Berlin and New Britain for ten years, was instrumental in passing legislation expanding children’s healthcare and streamlining state government. Gerratana has also been a leader for honest government serving on New Britain’s Ethics Commission and more recently, as a Commissioner of State Elections Enforcement. She was the 2004 Democratic nominee for Congress in the 5th District.

“Terry Gerratana is a proven and effective legislator. Among delegates and voters, the reaction to her candidacy has been uniformly positive. Terry Gerratana’s experience and her positive temperament allows her to work well with others,” said John McNamara, New Britain Democratic Town Chair. “These qualities make her the best candidate to represent all the citizens in the 6th district.”

The Mary McLeod Bethune Club will hold a Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 17th, at 2 p.m. at the Bethesda Apostolic Church, 249 Stanley Street, New Britain. The Rev. Dale Shaw will be the speaker.

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I would say that I’m a nonviolent soldier. In place of weapons of violence, you have to use your mind, your heart, your sense of humor, every faculty available to you…because no one has the right to take the life of another human being.

One Response to Blumenthal, Wyman at snowy Inaugural Party…Sanchez Gets Support From DTC members…Gerratana Makes It Official

I would say that I’m a nonviolent soldier. In place of weapons of violence, you have to use your mind, your heart, your sense of humor, every faculty available to you…because no one has the right to take the life of another human being.

New Britain Democrat

New Britain Democrat is the online home of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee (NBDTC).
The Town Committee is a volunteer organization comprised of members elected from the city's voting districts every two years.
The Town Committee promotes citizen participation at all levels; endorses candidates for local and state offices; elects slates to conventions for state and federal offices and supports candidates who embody Democratic principles without consideration of race, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.
Volunteers are welcome to join the NBDTC as associate members and to serve on committees.